The late substitute in Team Kenya dashed in the final ten meters to steal the second spot from tiring Ethiopian Selemon Barega.
Newly crowned World 10,000m silver medallist Daniel Simiu has disclosed how his girlfriend and coach motivated him to victory in the men’s final on Sunday night.
Simiu was a late replacement to former World Half Marathon record holder Kibiwott Kandie who withdrew due to an injury.
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The two-time World champion is aware people will be watching and she wants to do her best.
He was unsure of his chances of medaling on the global stage but disclosed that speaking to his girlfriend on Sunday morning was motivation enough for him to do something great on the global stage.
The Commonwealth Games 10,000m silver medallist also lauded his coach for the words of encouragement that led to his victory at the Hungarian capital.
“My coach prepared me well for this battle and he called on Sunday morning and told me ‘This is your chance. Don’t always go for major championships and come back empty-handed.’
"I also talked with my girlfriend in the morning and she motivated me…I am happy for her too. At least I have delivered something for the Kenyans,” he said.
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He, unfortunately, fizzled out to finish a disappointing seventh and cross the finish line in 10.01.
He also sang praises to God saying that without Him, he could not have made it to the podium. He was over the moon since it was his first medal at the World Championships since he started his athletics career.
Simiu also extended a hand of gratitude to Athletics Kenya for their care towards the team that propelled him to victory.
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Omanyala let Noah Lyles win their heat on Saturday but on Sunday the beastly American was on a different level.
“I want to thank God because if it wasn’t for Him, I couldn’t have been here. I was a replacement but that did not bother me and I told God what I wanted. Athletics Kenya have held my hand and that was also a huge morale booster for me,” he added.